This is the part of the Dressember campaign that usually drags. For me anyway, I find the beginning of the month to be packed with expectation and excitement. The end of the month is always a rush as the majority of the donations pour in and participants begin to see the true effect of their efforts. But the middle of the month? It's usually when I'm the most tempted to put on pants (I haven't, for the record), and Dressember's goal to end human trafficking somehow gets dumbed down by the drone of everyday life.

As silly as it is, I usually find myself needing an extra boost of motivation around this time. Something to tell me that our advocacy matters and that, in the face of tremendous injustice, my small voice really can make an impact.

So for today, I thought I'd introduce brands that are making the change that we're advocating for. These brands all have one goal: to fight human trafficking and help the victims reintegrate into society. I've had the chance of working with and getting to know a few of the owners behind the brands, and I can say with absolute certainty that the people behind these inspiring brands are committed to making real change. Some of them work directly with the victims they've helped to rescue, while others partner with established organizations that mentor women who have been rescued. Either way, supporting these brands means supporting their goal and making a real difference in a real life.

Uncvrd donates 40% of their funds to their partner non-profit that helps "break the mental and emotional ties the women have to their pimps, giving them a greater chance of success as they work to begin a new chapter".

A MN based company that works to prevent the spread of human trafficking, raise awareness in their community, and fund organizations that provide aftercare to victims. Their bold and empowering statement tees are some of my favorites!

Malia Designs works in Cambodia, employing at-risk women and allowing them to provide a dignified income to their families. Their products are made with materials that give-back to the community- like recycled cement bags and feed bags that would otherwise not be recycled. Read my interview with Malia Designs for more.

A jewelry brand that does much more than design jewelry, The Starfish Project supports victims of exploitation in Asia with their holistic care programs designed to shelter, counsel, and educate the women they rescue.

The Brave Collection's jewelry is handmade by artisans in Cambodia — women who otherwise wouldn't have a fair wage, dignified job opportunity. In addition to providing job opportunities, The Brave Collection donates 10% of their funds to fight human trafficking in Cambodia.

This Nashville based community is dedicated to being a "sanctuary for healing for women survivors of abuse, addiction, trafficking, and prostitution". They employ graduates of their program, creating job opportunities and ethically made products like bath and body supplies, accessories, children's goods, and running the Thistle Stop Cafe in Nashville.